SH 167 
.T86 S4 
Copy 1 



U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, 

JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner. 



THE 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 



BY 



GEORGE A. SEAGLE. 



Extracted from U. S. Fish Commission Bulletin for 1896. Article 4, Pages 237 to 256, Plates «8 to 94. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1S96. 



U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, 

JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner. 



THE 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 



BY 



GEORGE A. SEAGLE. 
M 



Extracted from U. S. Fish Commission Bulletin for 1896. Article 4, Pages 237 to 256, Plates 88 to S4. 



WASHINGTON : 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1 8 » I) . 



u 




THE ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 



By GEORGE A. SEAGLE, 
Superintendent of the United States Fish Commission Station at Wytheville, Va. 



237 



Bull 



USFC l«» (To f, c , p»u 9 239.) 



Plate 88. 




4.-THE ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 



By GEORGE A. SEAGLE, 
Superintendent of the United Slates. Fish Commission Station at Wytheville, Virginia. 



The following brief treatise on the most modern and successful plans for the 
artificial propagation of the rainbow trout (Salmo irideus) has been prepared for the 
in formation and instruction of all who appreciate the advantages of fully stocking 
our streams with suitable fishes, thereby increasing the extent and variety of our food 
products and lessening their cost. It is written from an entirely practical standpoint, 
and it is lioped that with the aid of the accompanying illustrations all the necessary 
information will be conveyed in such a manner as to enable those interested in the 
subject to appropriate it to their own use and advantage. We have avoided, as far as 
possible, the use of scientific and technical terms and have attempted, in the plainest 
and simplest manner, to state the habits of this interesting and important species of 
fish and the methods by which they are now successfully propagated artificially at the 
Wytheville Station, explaining the design and construction of the requisite apparatus, 
the manner of building the ponds, aud giving such other information as has been 
gained by 11 years of experience in the practical part of this work. 

This fish is not indigenous to our eastern waters. Its original habitat was the 
Pacific Coast, extending from Mexico to the Canadian border, and possibly still farther 
north. In this extensive section of the West its name varied with different localities; 
"redsides," '•mountain trout," "brook trout," ''golden trout," etc., were some of the 
appellations; but in the States east of the Mississippi River the names generally given 
are "rainbow trout" or "California trout." It was first introduced into the eastern 
waters by the I 'nited States Fish Commission in 1880, but it is probable that specimens 
of it or its spawn were brought here prior to that time by some of the State commissions 
or by private enterprise. Be this as it may, the Wytheville Station was oue of the 
first Government hatcheries to rear and handle them, and it was here that the writer 
made their acquaintance in the spring of 1882. 

Size. — This depends chiefly upon the waters in which they are found, the size of 
the stream, the temperature of the water, the amount of food it contains, etc, The 
average weight of those caught from streams in this locality is probably less than a 
pound, but some weighing Of pounds have been taken. In the Ozark regions of Mis 
souri they reach a weight of 5 to 10 pounds. In some of the cold mountain streams 
of Colorado their average size would not be more than li or 8 ounces; while in lakes in 
the same locality, where the water is moderately warm in summer and food is plentiful, 
they grow to weigh 12 and 13 pounds and reach a length of from 25 to 28 inches. In 
Au Sable River, in Michigan, they attain a weight of 5 to 7 pounds. In their native 
streams of California they are often caught ranging in size from 3 to 10 pounds, but 
the average would probably be from 1 to 2 pounds. The largest specimen ever pro- 
duced in the ponds at the Wytheville Station, and fed artificially, weighed OJ pounds, 
but many others in the same pond will weigh from 1 to 3 pounds. 

239 



240 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

Rate of growth. — The average growth, under favorable circumstances, is about ;is 
follows: One year old, from | to 1 ounce; two years old, from s to 10 ounces; three 

years old, fr 1 i»- pounds; four years old, from 2 to '■> pounds. They grow until 

thej are 8 or 10 years old, but the rate of growth diminishes with age. Some will 
un>\v much faster thau others under any circumstances, but it may be truly said that 
tlii rate of growth is a question of food and temperature of water. In water at 60 
and with plenty of food, fish one or two years old will double their size several times in 
a single season ; while in water at 10 and with food limited, the rate of grow th would 
probablj be less than LOO per cenl in the same time. 

I, mperature of watt r. — Mr. Livingston Stone says of brook trout: 

I nilii tln> bead it maj be suggested that the quantity and force "i current and vigor of thp 
water bave much to do with the degree of temperature at which trout will In c. For instance, when 
water does nol possess much vigor, is deficient in quantity, anil sluggish, it will not support trout in 
so high a temperature as when it is vigorous, plentiful, and rapid. I think it is safe t" saj that 
sluggish flat water at 70 is dangerous, it' not fatal, to trout, while they will Live in vigorous, rapid 
water which occasionally runs to 80 . 1 have found s ;. to be fatal to them in all kinds of water. 
(linn I'ii. nt. pages 13 ami i 

The above will apply, in the main, to rainbow trout also; rainbow trout will live, 
however, in warmer water than brook trout: they will thrive in "vigorous" water at 
85 . especially where there is some shade; in ponds I would consider that temperature 
dangerous, even with shade and a fairly good current. 

Edible qualities. — The trouts ate generally recognized as being the best of all 
pan fish; but, as regards their relative value in this respect, there i- difference of 
opinion. In comparing t he rainbow trout with the brook trout i Salvelinus fontinalu i, 
1 find that conflicting reports come from all sections; even in the same locality 1 
find much difference of opinion, so it may be said that il is all a matter of individual 
taste. Some regard the brook trout as having the finer flavor; others think that 
the rainbows tire deserviug of that distinction, while still others think there is no 
difference in the flavor of the two species. 

< in Him ss. — The rainbows are quite game; the\ an- active biters, and make a 
stroii-- fighl for their liberty. 

Sjinirniiiij ponds. — The construction of the spawning-ponds, with reference to their 
shape and si/e, is of vast importance to the trout-culturist. I regard the best size 
for these ponds about 1"> by 50 feet, and from 3 to :">\ feet deep, constructed entirely of 
wood and shaped as show n in plate 89. A pond shaped in this w ay -ives the best pos- 
sible water circulation in all its parts, and there are no corners for the excrement and 
other foul matter to lodge in. The bottom of the pond should be built with a gradual 
elevation toward the upper end of about 2 inches in the length of the pond. This 
makes the pond practically self-cleaning; nearly all the foul matter will work through, 
and what is left in it can be easily gotten rid of by drawing the water dow n low, and 
letting the fish work it out. This saves handling the fish, which is very important, 
especially when it is near their spawning time. 

Guard rack. — This should be put in on an incline of about 45 degrees and made of 
thin narrow slats, as shown at C (plate 89 . If the water is to be used over again in ponds 
below . a receiver should be built underneath the bottom of the pond at the lower end, 
between the toot of the guard rack and the dam -boards. The Moor of the pond 
immediately over this receh er is to be cut away and a grating set in. This will allow 
matter to fall through into the receiver and from there be washed out through the 



Bull. U.S. F.C. 189t 



Plate 89. 




ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 241 

sluiceway, which taps the receiver, by drawing the gate, shown at D. I prefer to have 
the sluiceway (E, plate SO) covered and led off under ground to a general waste-ditch, or 
it can lead to any point desired. 

Raceway. — The pond should he constructed with a spawning-race 1 by 4 feet, and 
about 25 feet long, placed at the upper end of the pond, as shown at II. This should 
lie cut in its depth (1 foot) from the top of the pond, as shown in the illustration. 
Three division boards (shown at F), about 12 feet long and of suitable width to come 
within 2 inches of the surface of the water when the pond is filled, should be firmly 
iixed to the bottom of the pond. The object of these boards is to form tour avenues 
leading to the raceway, so that one or two pugnacious fish (partly stripped spawners 
are the worst) can not command the entire approach to the raceway and keep back 
spawners inclined to enter. There should be a dam across in the mouth of the raceway, 
about 4 inches high (shown at G), for the purpose of bringing the water to that depth 
in the lower end, so that spawners that enter may have sufficient water to swim 
around in and feel free, and not be inclined through fear to return to the pond. 

Depth of water in the pond. — The water in the pond should be of sufficient depth 
to bring its surface within inches of the top of the dam in the raceway; this will 
give the fish, in entering the raceway, a jump of about 7 inches, allowing 1 inch for 
the depth of water on the dam in the raceway. I have found that distance more 
satisfactory than any other; at that distance spawners will enter freely, and without 
difficulty, and only spawners will go up. If a jump of much less than 7 inches is 
given, so that fish can enter the raceway without some exertion on their part, tish 
of all classes will go up, many apparently through mere curiosity, with no inclination 
to spawn. This is very undesirable, as the spawners prefer to be by themselves; if 
they did not they would probably not go up the raceway at all. 

Stocking the pond with breeders. — Fora pond such as I havedescribed (15 by 50 feet) 
I would recommend from 1,000 to 1,500 fish; this, however, is a question that every 
t rout-cult urist must decide for himself, as there are several things which should govern 
it, such as the size of the fish, water supply, temperature of water, amount of shade, 
etc. The fish will not thrive so well if crowded. As regards the proportion of sexes in 
stocking the spawning-pond, I prefer the ratio of two-thirds females and one-third males. 
I consider that a larger number of males are a disadvantage. They are in the way 
in every respect; better cull them out at spawning time and give the room they occupy 
to more females. I also strongly recommend culling the breeding stock every year 
and throwing out all the males that will not lie needed for the next season. Keep 
only young males when you have them; they are preferable. Throw out the blind 
and emaciated fish of both sexes; they can not be of any service to you. It is only 
the perfect specimens that it i>ays to keep. 

Food. — Trout, as is well known, arc not naturally vegetarians; in fact, they are 
generally supposed to be strictly carnivorous, and when a plentiful and cheap meat 
diet can be gotten, I do not think it can be improved upon; but this can not always 
be obtained iu sufficient quantities and at a price that will justify its exclusive use. 
In that case I would recommend a mixed diet of liver and mush, prepared as follows: 
Make a mush of wheat shorts, or middlings, and boiling water, by stirring the shorts 
into the boiling water until it is as thick as it can be mixed well. As soon as it is cool 
it is ready for use. This mush will keep for several days, even in warm weather, by 
keeping itin a eool place. After grinding or chopping the liver fine, mix in the mush 
thoroughly, in any desired proportion, up to four fifths of the whole. At AYytheville, 

F. C. B. 1S%— 10 



212 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

when liver is plentiful the food is mixed two-thirds mush and one-third liver. When 
this kind of meal is scarce it is mixed to suit the amount of it available. 1 have fed 
this vegetable and meat mixture to trout at the Wytheville Station for 13 years, and 
it lias proven entirely satisfactory. Since its introduction at Wytheville il has also 
been tried by ^Ir. W. F. Page, superintendent of the Neosho station, and others, with 
satisfactory results. For grinding or chopping the liver, I do not know of a machine 
that is equal to the Enterprise meat-chopper. I have bad one of these machines in 
use for eight or ten years, and 1 find that it does its work in the best possible manner, 
as there are no strings or chunks left to choke the fish. There are several sizes of 
this machine made, with extra perforated plates. Laving different sized holes, from 
one-twelfth to one-fourth of an inch in diameter, so that the meat may be prepared 

coarse or line, to suit the size of lish. For the small try it will be necessary to use 
the plate ha\ tng the smallest holes and to grind the food over two or three times, until 
it is made line enough lor use. 

Feeding the fish. — The method generally practiced is to throw the food into the 
pond by handt'uls. or by dipperfuls. I consider this method altogether wrong, as it 
causes the lish to come together in great numbers and in a rough and- tumble manner: 
and in struggling with open mouths to get a bite of the food they often scar themselves 
up, injure one another's eyes, and sometimes pluck them from their sockets. This I 
consider one of the main causes of blindness among pond fed fish. The method of 
feeding which 1 would recommend is to walk along the pond its entire length to the 
upper end; the fish will soon follow; then take a handful of the food and throw it 
underhanded down the pond : this will cause the food to skim along the surface of the 
water, come to pieces, and scatter in every direction. The fish will follow the food 
and take up what was thrown out, and then return to the head of the pond to watch 
for the next handful. Repeat the operation again and again until the work is finished. 
In following this method of feeding, the lish are not brought together in an abrupt 
manner, the food is well scattered over a good portion of the pond, and the fish are 
all heading in the same direction while they are feeding, thereby saving their eyes, and 
avoiding bruises and scars. The amount of food for a given number of trout must 
depend upon the size of the lish and the temperal are of tin' water. Fish will not take 
food as freely in a low temperature as they will when the water is wanner. With water 
ranging in temperature from 50 to 60 degrees I would recommend for 1,000 yearling 
fish, ranging in size from 3 to 5 inches long, about three-fourths of a pound lor their 
daily ration, while for the same number ranging in size from 8 to 12 inches about 1- 
pounds per day w ill be required. I prefer to have my lish fed twice a day, at regular 
hours morning and evening, giving half of the above-stated quantity at each feeding. 
This will keep the lish in a thrifty and growing condition. As the lish increase in size 
the amount of food should be increased proportionately. 

I mount of water necessary for n spawning-pond. — There is no rule, so far as 1 know, 
that will apply to this matter at all times and in all places. It must necessarily be 
governed by the temperature of water, size and shape of the pond, and the number 
and size of the fish to be supported, the amount of shade, etc. For a spawning pond, 
such as 1 have described, where the water is plentiful, 1 would give at. least 200 
gallons per minute. Not that 1 consider that amount necessary for the support of the 
lish. but the pond will be kept cleaner and the lish will enter the racew ay better at 
spawning time. Under no circumstances would 1 give, with water ranging from ">0 to 



Bull 



U. S. F. C. 1896. 1T0 lace page 243.) 



Plate 90. 




ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OP THE RAINBOW TROUT. 243 

55 degrees and with all other conditions favorable, less than 75 gallons per minute. 
1 consider that amount about the minimum for a pond built and stocked as I have 
recommended. In order to maintain an even temperature in the ponds they should 
be banked against the sides and ends with earth, which, of course, covers the frame- 
work that is shown in plate 89. The embankments should be broad enough on top to 
admit of a good walkway around the ponds. 

Spawning season. — The spawning season varies with the locality and the tempera- 
ture of the water. It is usually two to four weeks later in the streams than where the 
fish are kept confined in spring water. In the ponds at the Wytheville Station we 
expect to find spawuers any time after the 1st of November; the season is well started 
by the 15th, and it generally closes about the 1st of March. December and January 
are our best months. In California the season runs from the 1st of February to May, 
and in Colorado it begins early in May and probably extends to July. 

Natural spawning. — I have never had an opportunity of seeing the rainbows spawn 
naturally in the streams, but I have found their nests in our ponds and raceways 
at this station when it used to be our custom to keep gravel in the raceways for the 
purpose of inducing the spawners to enter. We do not use gravel about the ponds or 
raceways now. These nests were about the size of a dinner plate, the gravel forming 
them being concaved to make a depression in which the eggs were deposited. After 
being fertilized by the male fish the eggs would be lightly covered over with small 
gravel, and in this condition they are left to their future destiny. 

Artificial spawning. — Where spawning-ponds are provided with suitable raceways, 
the fish will ascend from the ponds into them, seeking a place to make their nests. 
They are then ready to be taken out and their spawn expressed. To take the fish 
from the raceway, drop the square net (I, plate 89) in on the cleats which are nailed 
against the side walls in the approach, shown at J; then raise the dam in the mouth 
of the raceway and scare the fish back into the net; this being accomplished, lift the 
net out and pour the fish gently into the spawning-tub, which should always be at 
hand ready for use. If more fish are in the net than can be lifted out at one time, 
use a landing net to take out a part of them before moving the square or spawning 
net. Never put too many fish in the tub at one time; they will become restless and 
sick before you can handle them and strip them of their spawn. 

Talcing the spawn. — There are two methods in general practice in taking and impreg- 
nating the spawn of fishes; one is to allow the eggs to fall into a pan containing more 
or less water, to be immediately followed by the milt or seminal fluid of the male fish, 
mixing the milt well with the water and eggs in the pan. The other is known as the 
Eussian or "dry" method. The water is omitted and the eggs are taken in a dry pan 
with the milt. In this case it makes but little difference which is taken first, the eggs 
or the milt, but the one should immediately follow the other and they should be 
thoroughly mixed together in the pan. After giving the milt and eggs time enough 
for thorough contact, but before the eggs begin to adhere to the bottom of the pan, 
add water to the depth of about 1 inch in the pan, and let the eggs remain two or 
three minutes longer, keeping them moving gently by turning the pan to prevent 
adhesion. This being accomplished, pour the milt off and add clear water to the pan, 
allowing the eggs to remain until they separate, which will be in from 10 to 20 minutes. 
If it is convenient to take the eggs to the hatchery, before time for pouring off the 
milt and water, I prefer to rinse them off there and then place them on the hatching 
trays, which have been previously arranged in the water in the hatching-troughs, 



244 BULLETIN OF I'm: UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

allowing them to separate there. 1 Both of these methods have been thoroughly 
tried at Wytbeville, and each proved satisfactory when the spawners were in good 
condition and the work was well done, l>ut 1 am inclined to favor the "dry" method 
under most circumstances, as ii seems to give the best results. 

It' i!it> weather is freezing cold, 1 prefei either taking the eggs in water or using 
two pans, one set in the other, with water from the pond in the bottom pan to prc\ enl 
the eggs from being chilled. To manipulate the fish in taking the spaw a and to do ii 
without injury to the fish, is a very delicate and particular task, and one that requires 
experience. Almost anyone can squeeze the spawn from the fish, but to do it without 
injuring or even killing the parent fish, is something that very few spawn takers ever 
learn to do. In taking hold of the fish, alter they have been placed in the spawning- 
tub, it is best to catch the spawner by the head with the right hand, having the back 
of your hand up; at the same time slip your left hand under the fish and grasp it near 
the tail, between the anal and caudal fins. A fish caught in this way can be easily 
turned over, as it is brought out of the water, so that its abdomen will be up and in 
the proper position for spawning by the time the spawning-pan is reached. It' the 
fish struggles, hold it firmly but gently, until it becomes quiet. If you have it in the 
righl position it will struggle only lor a moment. If the tish is a large one. put its 
head under your right arm. and when the struggle is over, pass your right hand down 
the abdomen until the point midway between the pectoral and ventral tin is reached: 
then witli the thumb and index finger press the abdomen gently, at the same time 
Slipping the hand forward toward the vent. 

if the eggs are ready to be taken they will come freely and easily. If they do 
not come in this manner, put the fish back in the pond tor some future time. If the 
eggs come freely from the first pressure, slip your hand back and repeal t he operation, 
beginning at or near the ventral fin. After the first pressure has been given, by 
holding the head of the fish higher than the tail, all of the eggs that have fallen from 
the o\ arics and are ready to be expressed will fall into the bottom of the abdomen, 
near the vent, so that it will not be necessary to press the fish again over its vital 
parts, the eggs having left that part of the body. Allot the eggs that have fallen 
into the abdomen below the ventral fin can be easily expressed, and without danger 
of injuring tin' fish. The danger lies in pressing the tish over its vital parts after 

the eggs have left that part of the body. If this method and these direct ions are 
judiciously and carefully followed, little if any damage will result to the matrons thus 
handled. As an illustration. I may mention the tact that I have kept fish for 14 years, 
and extracted from them a full quota of eggs each recurring season during their egg- 
producing term, which is from 111 to L2 years. 

The male tish is to be treated very much in the same manner, taking only what 
milt will come freely. More milt is required in taking eggs by the "dry" method 
than when water is used, as enough should lie in the pan to allow good circulation 
through all of the eggs. If only a small amount of milt can be gotten, use water to 
make ii]) the required amount of liquid for this purpose. Very little milt will often 
give good impregnation, but when milt can begotten plentifully, be sure that you use 
enough to give good results. After stripping the fish of their spawn, remove them 



■Some trout culturists recommend letting the eggs remain in tin- milt and water until thej separate, 
but, us it i- generally acknowledged tbat the spermatozoa I" comes inactive in 2 minutes after coming 
in contact with tin- water, I can see no good reason tor leaving tliis dead milt mi the eggs, as they 

must necessarily absorb it to become freed from the adhesion. 1 think it would !»■ re natural tor 

them tn absorb only pure » ater. 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 



245 



from the spawning-pond, being careful to put the .spent females in one pond and the 
males in another, as the males are very pugnacious about this time and are not very 
particular about what they fight. 

Incubation and hatching of the eggs and cure of fry in the hatchery. — The eggs of 
trout are usually incubated and hatched on trays, which are placed in the water in 
troughs and boxes of various sizes and shapes. I prefer troughs which are made and 
set in pairs, as shown at fig. 1. These troughs are about 15 feet long, and made of the 
best piue lumber, dressed to 14 inches thick. The bottoms are 14 inches wide and the 
sides are 8 inches wide. The guard screen (A) should be put in about 14 inches from 




z4 



£_ 



SLIDIH6 $CR£LH\; 



LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF HATCHING TROUGH,SHOWMG POSITION OF HATCHING TRAYS, DAM, FTC. 
SCALE f ' ' 3 ? I ?"" 



Fig. 1. — Hati-hing troughs, guard screen, etc. 

A. Guard screen. E. Tin tray tor use in muddy water (see tiu r . 2). 

B. Horizontal sliding screen. F. Block for water to fall upon. 

C. Hatching tray. ('.. Brackets (fig. 2). 

D. Position of hatching trays II. Feet it,-. 2) 

the lower end (inside). It consists of a frame made as wide as the trough is deep and 
as long as the trough is wide, and put iu with beveled lining mi both sides at the end. 
but across the bottom the lining should be put only on the upper side; this will assist 
in keeping the parts clean. Instead of wire on the guard-screen, I prefer perforated 
tin, with perforations a sixteenth of an inch for very young fry, and larger perforations 
as the fish grow. The dam is put in from 4 to 5 inches from the lower end, and 
is simply a plain board .'!', inches wide. In the upper end of my troughs, I use hori- 
zontal sliding screens (shown at B) with perforated tin bottoms, instead of the vertical 
screens formerly used. The advantages claimed for the sliding screens are obvious; 



246 



B! LLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



the lish are allowed to pass up under the screen — the most important pari of the 
trough— and there receive a shower bath, which keeps them clean even in muddy 
water; there is no jumping over the guard screens or the sides of Hoe troughs, and 
their are no obstructions across the bottom of the troughs to cause the alevins (very 
young fry) to suffocate, as was -<> often the ease when the vertical screens were used. 
In feeding the lish, or examining into their condition, the screens can be either slid 
back or raised out of the way. as shown in the illustration. 

Hatching trays. — 1 prefer the batching trays made fully twice as long as wide. 
because they are then much easier to adjust ill the troughs and hold more eggs, 
which, of course, makes fewer trays to handle and thus facilitates the work. The 
trays that I use are l.;.l by 28 inches i shown at C, fig. J ). The sides of the frame are 
made of good pine lumber, dressed l inch square; the ends are dressed \ by 1 inch, 

and are cut into the sides their thickness from the under side, forming a smooth surface 
on that side for the wire bottom. The wire used on the trays is woven with 8 threads 
to the inch, with a mesh ; oi an inch long. The wire should be well galvanized after 
it is woven, in order to prevent rusting at the laps. 

Placing the trays. — Four hatching-trays an' placed in each trough and are secured 

in place by means of keys or wedges, and 
should be from 1 to 2 inches lower at the 
end toward the head of the trough, as 
shown at 1>. I». 1>. T>. li-. 1. In this way 
the trays will hold from L2,000to 15,000 
eggs with perfect safety. If we should 
be unfortunate enough to have muddy 
water during the hatching season, we use 
a tin tray with perforated bottom, show n 
at E,fig.2. This tray is made 13| inches 
wide and 32 inches long, and sets inside 
of the hatching-trough on feet. II. raising 
it 1 inch above the bottom of the trough. 
The hatching-tray, containing the eggs 
that are hatching, is placed inside of the 
tin tray, and rests on the bracket shown at (i. The little fish, as they hatch out, fall 

from the hatching-tray on the perforated bottom of the tin tray, and by their ve- 

meiits work the sediment through, leaving them on a clean bottom and in no danger 
of being Smothered. These tin trays are also useful in counting fish, or in holding 
small lots offish of different species in the same trough. 

Number <>/ eggs to a trough. — Troughs 15 feet long will admit of 4 hatching-trays in 
a single row: each tray will safely carry 12,500 eggs, making 50,000 eggs to a trough; 
rhis is enough to work easily, but if it is necessary in order to make more room a 
double row of trays may be put in. one tray resting on the top of the other. In this 
way the trough would contain 100,000 eggs, which I consider about its full capacity. 
The troughs will carry this number up to the time of hatching, by placing the trays 
lower at one cud than the other, as pre\ iously described. 

Care <>f the eggs.— After placing the eggs on the trays, they will need no further 
attention until the hatching begins, except to keep them clean and the dead eggs 
picked off. These dead eggs may be known by their turning white. The eggs should 
be examined once everyday for that purpose. After the eye spot can be plainly seen 




Fig. 2. — Tin tray for use in muddy water. 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OP THE RAINBOW TROUT. 



247 



it is a good idea to run a feather through the eggs for the purpose of changing their 
position on the trays and to disclose any dead eggs or foreign matter that may be 
hidden underneath. Great care should be exercised in handling the eggs at auy time, 
but after the first or second day from the taking until the appearance of the eye-spot, 
they should be handled with especial care, and then only when it is absolutely neces- 
sary, as during this period they are very delicate, and a good shaking up, or even 
passing a feather through them, will cause a heavy loss. 




Pig. 3. — Interior view of Hatchery showing men fishing out Dead Eggs. 

Time required to hatch the eggs. — The time required to hatch trout eggs, or fish 
eggs of any kind, depends almost wholly upon the temperature of the water in which 
they are placed. I do not know of any rule that can be depended upon in all cases. 
In "Trout Culture," by Mr. Seth Green (page 29), I find the following regardiug the 
iucubation of eggs of the brook trout: 

A rule sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes is this : At :">0 degrees the eggs will hatch in 
50 days; each degree colder takes 5 days longer, and each degree warmer 5 days less; the difference, 
however, increasing as the temperature falls anil diminishing as it rises. 

The above rule is as good as any that I know of, but it will not do to depend upon 
it in all cases. The rainbows, however, will hatch out from li to 5 days earlier in any 
case than the brook trout. 

Watching tin- eggs. — Two trays of 12,500 eggs each are as many as should be left in 
one trough for hatching; with this number in a trough — using my horizontal sliding 
screen in the upper end — there is but little danger of the alevins congregating 



248 BULLETIN OF THE CJNITED STATES PISH COMMISSION. 

and smothering in anj pari of the trough, [f it is necessarj to batch a ranch larger 
number in one trough, the sliding screen Bbould be ><> arranged thai the water will fall 
well up against the end of the trough. This can be dune by raising the screen and 
tinning it back against the reservoir, or by putting in a wedge-shaped block lor the 
water to fall upon, turning the thin side of the block to the upper end of the trough. 
1 have had 50,000 limit hatch in one trough prepared in this way, without any loss 
from suffocation. I would not, however, recommend batching such a number together 
in one trough, if it can he avoided, as there will lie too many to raise up to feeding 
time, and they would necessarily have to he divided before thai time. 

The young fry. — After the fry hatch out they will require but little attention until 
the yolk sac is absorbed ami t he time of feeding comes on. They should be examined 
each day, and the dead fish and other decayed matter removed from the troughs. 
The troughs should be kepi perfectly clean and provided with a thin layer of coarse 
while sand on the bottom, which will serve in keeping the fish clean and in a healthy 
condition. As the fish grow they should be thinned out in the troughs from time to 
time, as their si/e may require. When they first begin to feed, 12,000 to 1.5,000 fish 
to the trough will not be too many: but by the time they get to be 1 J to 1 A inches long 
they should be divided up, 8,000 to 10,000 to the trough, while with yearling fish, or 
fish averaging •'! inches in length, from 3,000 to 4,000 will be as many as one trough 
will carry. More room would be advisable in all cases if il is to be had. 

Food of young trout. — Beef or sheep liver, ground or chopped to a line pulp, is 
generally recognized as being the best artificial food for young trout. Other tilings 
have been tried, Such as hard-boiled eggs grated line, milk curds, etc., but liver seems 
to be the favorite article at present. Some efforts have been made to produce a 
natural or living food, but the results so far. 1 believe, have been unsatisfactory. 
This may yet be accomplished for late spring and summer feeding, but for feeding the 
fry during the first three or four mouths of their lives, which is in the winter season. 
I think we will have to be contented with something besides a living food, and for this 
purpose I can recommend nothing superior to the liver diet, unless it be fish eggs. 

Fish eggs us food. — Duringthe spring of L895 the idea was conceived of having shad 
and herring roe put up in tin cans to serve as food for young trout. ( >ne case (2 dozen 
1-pint cans, was sent to me at Wytheville Station, but as 1 did not receive it until the 
first part of June, and my fish were then all good sized fingerlings, I was not successful 
in getting them to eat it at that time, as they seemed to be looking for something 
larger than herring roe. 1 concluded then that 1 would keep over a few cans and try 
it the following season 1 1895-96 1, while the fish were j el small. This I have now done, 
and the result has been very satisfactory. I am sorry that 1 did not have enough roc 
this season to prosecute the experiment further: but my experience has been sufficient 
to convince nie of its merits and to cause me to believe that it is a more wholesome diet 
for young trout than liver, since it does mil pollute I he water in feeding and the fish 

grow to 1 xtremely fond of it. I am of the opinion that fish roe will hereafter form 

a good pari of the food for young trout that are reared in confinement. I understand 
that it can be gotten during the fishing season in large quantities. 

Fi'ciliiuj thf fry. — In my opinion the feeding of young fry is the main point in suc- 
cessful trout breeding and the part in which we are most likely to err. 1 believe that 
more young trout die from improper feeding than from all other causes put together; 
and the reason for it cousisis in too much haste in feeding or else in distributing 



Bull. U. S. F. C. I89( 



Plate 91. 






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ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 249 

the food in such manner as to prevent each one from getting its proper share. If 
liver is used as food it is very difficult to distribute it evenly through the water 
so that all the fish will partake of it without the water in the trough being made 
milky from its use. This is very objectionable and, in my opinion, very injurious to 
the young fish. I think that it produces inflammation of the gills and a slimy, itching 
disease of the skin, often causing heavy mortality among the young fish. The fry 
will be ready to take food as soon as the yolk sac is absorbed; the time required for 
this will depend upon the growth of the fish, superinduced by the temperature of the 
water. At Wytheville, where the water temperature is regular at 53°, they will take 
food in about 30 days after hatching. The time to commence feeding can be closely 
determined by watching the movements of the fish. Before the yolk sac is entirely 
absorbed they begin to break up the schools on the bottom of the trough and scatter 
through the water, rising higher and higher from the bottom of the trough each day 
until they can balance themselves gracefully in a horizontal position, all heading 
against the current and swimming well up in the water. They are then apt to be ready 
for food, but, to make sure of it, drop some small bits of cork or a nap from red flannel 
on the surface of the water, and if they strike at it as the current carries it down, give 
them food, but do not give it to them until they strike at the substance floating. 

Their food should be prepared very fine, and if it consists of liver it will be found 
necessary to put some water with it before feeding, in order to make it distribute 
evenly. The liver can best be given to the fish with a feather, by dipping the feather 
into the liver and skimming it over the surface of the water in the trough. After the 
fish grow to be 1^ to 14 inches in length they will begin to take the food that settles 
on the bottom of the trough, and as it is then not so tedious and difficult to feed them 
the food can be given from the hand and it will not be necessary to mix it with water. 
The young fry should be fed five or six times a day. giving them their food slowly and 
sparingly. After they learn to take their food well from the bottom of the trough 
three feeds a day will be sufficient, as they can then be given more at each feeding. 

The rearing ponds. — Ponds for rearing fish should be narrow, say from 8 to 12 feet 
wide, and any desired length, up to 00 feet. For convenience iu drawing off the 
ponds, etc., I would not advise making them more than GO feet long. The size, shape, 
and arrangement of the ponds must depend altogether upon the topography of the 
ground where they are to be constructed. If it can be so arranged, I prefer to have 
these ponds built on a hillside, one pond above the other, with earth and piling- 
embankments at the lower sides and at the ends. A pond of this kind is shown 
at plate 01, and is the one which I shall endeavor to describe. In the construction of 
these ponds various materials may be used for damming the water. The embank- 
ments may be made of earth altogether, or they maybe lined on the inside next to the 
water with stone, brick, cement, or timber. In all cases they are constructed with 
the same end in view, and the general principle is very much the same. It is not 
always convenient to use certain materials, but where the ground is of a porous or 
loose formation it will be necessary to use piling or cement for the inside of the embank- 
ments, and possibly cement for the bottoms. 

I prefer in all cases to have earth bottoms, where the nature of the ground will 
permit. The water should enter the pond atone end and discharge from the corner 
having the deepest water in the opposite end. The bottom should be graded as 
shown in the cross section 2, plate 91, and with a slope toward the outlet, so thatall the 



250 Bl I.LKTIN OF THE UNITED STATES PISH COMMISSION. 

water can be drawn out, and in doing so the fish will be drawn into the receiving 
in mull (' i, w 1 1 id i is placed with its top flash with the earth bottom in thai pari of the 
lioiul. The outlet for the water is an L-shaped pipe (shown al I', in cross-section 2), 
which is placed in the corner of the pond, the long end passing through the piling and 
underneath the pond embankmeul : the short end, called the stand-pipe, staudsclose 
in the inside corner of the pond in an uprighl position. The staud-pipe should have 
two en- more holes cut through(G,in section 1. plate 91 ion the side nexl to the receiving- 
trough, for the water to pass out in drawing down the pond. The. size of these hole-, 
should be made in proportion to the size of the stand pipe, which in turn should be 
governed by the size of the pond. The holes are to have a block of suitable size 
tacked over them to allow the pond to (ill with water. A crib should lie built around 
the stand-pipe, as shown at E. In the front of this crib is placed the guard screen 
1 1 , which --hoi ild be L5 inches or more in front of the stand pipe. 

The guard screen should be from l 1 to 16 inches wide, using wire cloth 2 inches nar 
rower. The wire used on the screen should either be of copper or well galvanized. 
The size of the mesh in the wire should lie suited to the size of the lish in the pond. 
The receiving trough (C) should also he in proportion to the size of the pond. For a 
pontl l" bj 1" feet a receiving trough 10 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and lt» feel long 

wo dd lie a g 1 size. A portion of the trough, as wide as the guard screen, should 

extend back and connect with the stand-pipe, the guard screen to tit down on the 
inside of the trough. If the work is well done this will make everj part secure, and 
there will lie no danger of losing lish in drawing the pond. The trough or pipe carry- 
ing the water into the pond must lie -,, arranged thai the fish can not jump from the 
pond into it. Agoodplan is shown at A, in the longitudinal section (plate 91 ; also 
at A. in rearing pond. This arraugement has been in use at Wytheville Station for a 
number of years and has given entire satisfaction. 

Stocking tin rearing-ponds. — In stocking the rearing-ponds with trout fry I would 
stronglj recommend doing it by degrees, especially where the feeding is to he done by 
hand. I would put 500 to 1,000 lish in the pond and train them to take food readily 
before adding to them: that number of lish can generally find enough natural food in 
the pond to subsist upon until they can be trained to take the food that is given to 
them. Then add another 1,000 fish, and in about 1(1 days 2,000 more may be added, 
and so on till the pond is stocked with the desired number. When lish are lirst 
released in the ponds they seem to be wild, and will run awaj from the food given to 
them: hence Hie necessity of teaching a few lish to eat lirst and then to add more 
from time to time. The lirst lot of lish being trained to eat. others will soon follow . 

The number of fish that a pond of a given size will support will depend upon the 
amount and temperature of the water and the amount of shade furnished, etc. In a 
pond 10 by 50 feet, and with water from ."» inches to .". feet iW\<\<. I would not put over 
1(1,0(10 lish in any case, unless I was forced to do so for want of room. 

Packing eggs for shipment. — In packing trout eggs for shipment, they are usually 
placed on trays in wet moss. At the Wytheville Station, whence shipments are made 
to all pans of the United States and to many foreign countries also, the eggs un- 
packed as follow.-: The number to be shipped is divided in from five to ten equal 
parts, according to the size of the shipment. If 30,000 eggs are to be shipped, 1 would 
use id trays large enough to contain 3,000 eggs each: if L5,000 eggs, 1 would have 10 
trays containing 1,500 eggs each: lo.ooo eggs, 8 trays of 1,250 each, etc. If over 



Bull. U SF. C. 1896. (To lace page 251.; 



Plate 92. 







D. 

\ tee bopper 

B i 

i ! Foundation board, 

D. Egg traj - packed and Heated. 

E ' >tlt-side case. 




[The scale of this figure also applies to figs \ B, ( ami D.) 



APPARATUS USED IN PACKING AND SHIPPING EGGS. 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 



251 



30,000 eggs are to be shipped, I would divide the shipment in two lots and send two 
boxes. A package of more than 10 trays, especially if the trays are large, would be 
liable to crush the eggs on the lower trays by having too much weight above. If less 
than 5 trays are used in a shipment, the package is apt to dry out, and the eggs will 
reach their destination either dead or in a shriveled condition. The frames of the 
trays (I>, plate 92) are made of light, soft lumber, dressed to § by £ of an inch, and 
are bottomed with soft canton flannel stretched on tight and well tacked. The trays 
are made large enough not only to contain their proportional part of the number of 
eggs to be shipped in one layer deep, but allowance is made for a space of f of an 
inch between the eggs and the frame of the tray. 

A foundation board (('. plate 02) is made with outside dimensions same as the egg- 
tray, and with a strip nailed around the edge on the top side to form a cushion of moss 



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Fig. 4. Cross section through box after it has lieen packed and closed. 

for the bottom tray. The hopper (A, plate 92) is used on the top tray. The outside case 
(E, plate 92) is made 7 to 8 inches larger on the sides (inside measure), and 5 inches 
deeper than the outside dimensions of all the crates after they are cleated together, 
including hopper and foundation board, as shown at D (plate 92). The trays having 
been thus prepared, the eggs are selected for shipment (those showing eye-spots and 
not too old to reach their destination before time for hatching out, ma lung allowance for 
changes in temperature which they are liable to undergo on the road, causing them to 
hatch sooner than if left on the hatching trays). They are taken up from the hatching- 
trays in pans, and alter cleaning them well of all sediment, etc., and giving them a 
slight concussion, which can lie best done by allowing water to fall on thetn from a 



252 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

small sj t or sprinkling pot, they are closely picked over, removing all dead and 

unfertilized eggs, which "ill nearly all turn white after the concussion N given. 

The eyed eggs are then measured or weighed we use apothecarj scales, weigh 1 
ounce and count them, or count the eggs for one traj and weigh them) and placed ou 
the trays, the required number to eacli tray, and in ;i single layer in the middle of the 
tray, leaving all the empty space on the outsides next to the frame. They are then 
placed on the foundation board, one al a time; the eggs are covered with a piece of 
mosquito netting, which should be ai least 2 inches largei each \\ a \ than the egg 

trays; then the traj is tilled with we( ss, the pari immediately over the eggs in a 

loose manner, and the empty space around the eggs packed tight. This will help 

snpporl the next tray above and also prevent the eggs fr comiug in contacl with 

the wood and becoming dry aud Bhriveled. ATter the trays are all packed and 
placed one upon the other, the hopper is placed on top, and the whole cleated 
together, as shown at I) (plate 92). The crate is now ready to be placed in the !>o\ or 
outside case (E, plate 92). Put dry sphagnum moss, or the material to be used in pack- 
ing, in the bottom of the box to the depth of ■"• inches, then set in the crate of 
eggs, placing it as near in the center of the bos as possible, pack the sides well to 
hold the crate in the proper position, and when the top of the hopper is reached with 
the packing, lill the hopper well with ice, then finish filling up the bos with moss. 
Never use wet moss, or wet packing of any kind, for the cushion around the egg 
crate; it will not preserve a s c\ en a temperature and it will be liable to freeze solid it' 
exposed to a low temperature in transit. After the box has been packed and closed, if 
it should be cut through the center, it would presenl an appearance like fig. I. p. 251. 

Amount of water necessary for incubation of eggs and rearing of the fishes. — The 
amount of water necessary in any case will depend upon the temperature of the water 
and the manner in which it is applied. The water should receive as much aeration 
as possible before entering the compartments containing the fish or eggs. At the 
Wytheville Station, where we have an even temperature of 53 degrees in the hatchery, 
we use in the troughs containing lish and eggs about the following quantities: 

100,000 eggs during incubation, 1-". gallons per minute, 
100,000 fish batching to time of feeding, 30 gallons per minute. 
100,000 fish from l to I months old, 50 gallons per minute. 
100,000 fish from I to ii months old, 100 gallons per minute. 
inn. nun figh from ii to 12 months old, 200 gallons per minute. 

These amounts are ample: less would do: probably half would suffice if it were 
necessary to economize in the use of water. In rearing-ponds more water is required, 
as the circulation is not so good aud the outdoor exposure will cause the temperature to 
rise, [f water is plentiful 1 would double the amounts stated above for pond-culture. 

Diseases of trout fry <ui<l remedies to be applied. — The most common diseases of 
trout fry are the inflammation of their gills and a slimy and itching skin disease. 
both Of which I believe are chieflj caused by impure water. The diseases maybe 
caused by muddy water or from the foul and milk] water produced in feeding the 
fish, especially if stale liver is used as food. The food itself maj also produce it. but 
I think ii generally comes from the fouling of the w ater. As an ounce of prevention 
is worth a pound of cure, the best plan is to prevent, if possible, the diseases by 
keeping the water pure. Bj watching the movements of the fish one can generally 
detect the symptoms of the diseases before they reach an alarming stage. If the 



ice page 253.) 



Plate 93. 



- 




ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 253 

gills are affected, the fish will usually swim high in the water, and in an uneasy rest- 
less manner, as if gasping for breath. When this is observed the gills should be 
examined to see it' they are becoming inflamed and swollen. If tbe tish are taking a 
skin disease, they will generally indicate it by nibbing themselves on the bottom of 
the trough or against anything that may be convenient. They will dive down and 
give themselves a quick twisting motion against the bottom of the trough, as if they 
were toying to scratch a place that was itching. If the progress of the disease is not 
promptly checked it will soon be at a stage when nothing can be done, and the fish 
will grow weaker every day until they begin to die in alarming numbers. 

The best remedy for both diseases that I know of is salt. Draw the water low on 
the fish and apply it freely by sprinkling it evenly through the water. If it is a bad 
case of skin disease I would use a half pint of salt for each gallon of water in the 
trough, or about that proportion. Watch the tish closely, and let them remain in 
the salt water until they get restless and begin to turn on their sides; then turn on 
fresh water, and as the trough tills yon will have the satisfaction of seeing the slime 
rise and float on top of the water, like a white scum. Coarse sand should be kept in 
the trough for the tish to scratch themselves against. Salt will also be good for the 
diseased gills; it will free them of all sediment, etc., that is sure to adhere to them. 
Fungus, ''blue swelling," etc., sometimes occur, but I have never had any serious 
trouble with any diseases of the fry except the two first named. Parasites will 
sometimes attack the fish, but if the water is pure and the fish are in a healthy 
condition, I hardly think the parasites will give much trouble. To keep the fish that 
are reared in troughs and tanks in a healthy condition, I think it is well to give them 
a salt bath occasionally. A little salt in their food will not hurt them, and it sometimes 
seems to do them good. I consider a little sediment from the reservoir, or such as 
collects on stones, etc., in the streams, a good preventive of disease, if mixed with 
their food; it is only natural that they should have something of that kind, since all, 
or nearly all, of their natural food contains more or less of it. 

Diseases <>/ the adult trout. — A very serious disease, for which I know no name, 
shows the following symptoms: The afflicted fish refuse to take food, and very dark 
spots, from -\ to 1 inch in diameter, appear on different parts of the body. These spots 
vary in number from 2 or ."> up to 25 or 30 on each fish affected. A light spot about 
the size of a green pea appears on the head immediately over the brain. The fish are 
generally restless; some will seek the shallow water in the corners of tin 1 pond or else 
hide away among the plants, if there be any in the pond accessible to them. Within 
24 hours from the time the disease is noticeable the fish begin to die. They will jump 
and dart around in the water, as if crazy, and then settle back on their tails and 
sink to the bottom of the pond in their Inst struggle for life. Almost by the time 
they reach the bottom they are dead and stiff. This disease made its appearance at 
the Wytheville Station in December, 1895. It was first observed among a lot of 037 
yearling Von Behr or brown trout that had been delivered to the station on November 
20 by one of the United States Fish Commission transporting cars. The first sign of 
this disease was noted about the 5th of December, and by the 12th of the month 155 
of the (537 fish were dead. These tish being in the nursery during the first stages of 
the disease, the water passed from them through an empty pond into a second one 
containing about 1,000 large rainbow trout that had recently been stripped of their 
spawn. On the morning of December 23, this dreadful disease made its appearance 



254 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

among the latter, and by i "'clock in the evening of the same day 56 of them had died. 
Sail was the first remedy decided upon; bo the water in the pond was drawn down to 
about 300 gallons or probably a little more, and L50 pounds of common salt were 
sprinkled evenly through ir. The fish were allowed to remain in this brine about 1"> 
minutes, when they showed signs of weakening by turning on their sides; then fresh 

water was turned (in freely. Theg Iresull was at mice noticeable, the fish becoming 

quiet, and appearing to rest more easily. It was my intention to give them another 
salting two days later, hut as they were steadily improving I concluded that another 
application was unnecessary. The final result was thai 70 per cent of the adult rain- 
hows thai had been treated with salt were saved, while of the yearling brown trout, 
that were not thus treated, neatly 71.] per cent died. 

Foul ponds are dangerous, and will produce disease if not attended to. If the fish 

gel sick from this cause, they Should lie re ved to a clean pond at once; give them 

a salt -and clay bath, and then turn on an increased amount of fresh water for ten days 
or more following. 

The adult fish are very liable to he affected with fungns. It generally comes 
after a bruise or hurt, or when the fish is in an emaciated condition. If the trouble 
results from an injury, it can often be cured before it spreads to the sound flesh; but 
if fungus spreads like a slimy web all over the fish, it is sure death, .lust after 
spawning, thej are especially susceptible to fungus. They should be handled very 
carefully during the spawning season to prevent the moving of a scale or scarifying 
the body in any way, either of which would be almost sure to be followed by fungUS. 
If there is any hope of savin"' the lish. it should lie treated at once, and I do not know 
of abetter remedy than salt. Catch the lish and rub the salt on the affected part, 
and then release it in a pond, or tank, by itself, where it can be gotten for treatment 
in a day or two again. The fish that are affected all over the body should be killed 
and thrown out at once, as there is no chance to save them. 

I havegiven in the preceding pages such practical information as I could in refer- 
ence to the artificial propagation of the rainbow trout, and hope that it may prove of 
value to those interested in such subjects. The results that have follow ed our efforts 
iii an endeavor to stock various streams in many different localities of our common 
countrj with this gamy and delicious fish, beloved alike by epicure and angler, have 
in most instances proved successful and have demonstrated the practicability of vary- 
ing and increasing our food supply, and at the same time providing another source 
of amusement and recreation for all the votaries of rod and reel. 

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE RAINBOW TROUT. 

The following extracts from letters of correspondents may prove interesting as 
showing the experience of fish-culturists in different portions of the United states: 

[From W. D. Noel, of Lebanon Uo i.pril7 I 

Tin- United States Fish Commiss planted, about 12 years ago, rainbow trout in Bennett's 

spring, which flows into Neaugua River about a mile from the spring, making a Mr. am from inn to l'Oii 
feet wide and from 1 to 3 feel deep. Tiny have increased to a wonderful extent in the spring branch, 
and to quite an extent in Neaugua River. Tin \ have been caught 8 miles above and J."' miles below the 
n ion tli ni' t In- branch. They an- the gamest li-li we have ami arc exceedingly shy. They take tin- fly 
Inn' better than any bait. As tor eating qualities 1 do not think it equaled by any fresh-water fish. 



Bull. U S. F. C. 1896. (To lace page 255.; 



Plate 94. 




. - . • • .** - 



• • ' . < * • » • » . V , . 













THE RAINBOW TROUT (Soi rideiui). Adult male. 




THE RAINBOW TROUT iSalmo iridevu 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE RAINBOW TROUT. 255 

[From Livingston Stone, superintendent of United States Fish Commission Station, Baird, Cal., Dr. -ember 2~. 1S95.] 

Here in the McCloud River the rainbows spawn from February to May, inclusive, and in con- 
finement the spawning' season seems to begin a mouth earlier than in the river. They have no 
average size, strictly speaking, as they are found here of sizes up to and slightly exceeding 1(> pounds 
in weight. They are found in most mountain streams about here, and are usually quite abundant 
where they occur at all and have not been fished out. They rank well up as a game fish, but as a pan 
fish they are very much inferior to fontinalis, though when properly cooked they are very palatable. 
The temperature of the McCloud varies from about 38° at this season to 63° in July. The lly fishing 
is best in the spring and early summei in this part of the river. 

[From M. C. Toms, Hendersonvillo, X. C, February li, 1896.] 

About ten years ago a small lot of young fish were placed in Green River in this county, of which 
nothing was known until two years afterwards, and we supposed they were lost, but after two years 
you could occasionally hear of one being caught. A year after this a friend of mine and myself rigged 
up our rods aud started for this beautiful stream. We soou had our tackle in good trim and were 
casting our hooks far down the stream, when, to my surprise, I found that one had my hook aud was 
making oft' with it. It was fine sport to reel him up the swift water, and I found it to be a 3-pounder, 
glowing in the sun, with his beautiful rainbow colors. No fish could look gamer. They are doino- 
well and the river is well stocked with the little ones. If our laws were more strict we would have 
plenty of these beauties. Through the Fish Commissioner at Washington I have stocked several 
other streams, but they have not as yet had time to show what they will do. I regard the rainbow 
as a good biter, but not as good a puller as the brook trout. 

The work of stocking these streams by the Government is a step in the right direction, and will 
be a great source of food and pleasure for the future. One thousand yearling fish were planted in 
Green River from Wytheville Station by myself on February 1, 1888. 

[From J. I). Phipps, Longs Sap, Grayson Co., Ya., December 3u, 1895.] 

I will say in reference to the fish deposited in our stream, Peach Bottom (reek, that they have 
grown and propagated as fast as any fish I ever saw; in fact much faster than the mountain trout. 
We posted the stream and allowed no fishing for four years. Now our stream is full of the finest trout. 
I have caught them 22 inches long. Their flavor is fine, and they are the most gamy fish I ever saw. 
Their rapid increase has kept the stream well supplied ever since. 

[From F. N. Clark, superintendent of United Slates Fisb Commission Station, Xortbville. Midi., January 23, 1896.] 

The An Sable River was first planted with rainbow trout about 17 or 18 years ago, I think, from 
eggs forwarded from the collecting station in California to the Michigan Fish Commission, hatched at 
their hatchery, and planted by them. Since that time there have been several plants made at different 
times, but not in large numbers. The sue. ess of this river is probably the most marked of any of 
the rivers of Michigan where rainbow trout have been planted. In certain portions of the river 
large rainbows are taken with hook and line, often weighing from 5 to 7 pounds, and in our net 
fishing for brook trout during i October, 1895, the trout caught would run about one-third rainbow; in 
addition to this we would catch from 100 to 1,000 last spring's hatch, and I hey would run a larger 
number rainbow than brook trout. The rainbow caught in the Au Sable are considered by sportsmen 
as more gamy than either the brook trout or graylings, and it requires heavier tackle for this fish than 
for a brook trout of equal weight. Rainbow trout are also taken quite frequently with hook and line 
in Pere Marquette River, also the branches of that, stream. 

[From K. W. Kequa, of the California State Fish Commission, Sisson, Cal., January 31, 1895.] 
* 
The waters of this State are well stocked with the dift'erent species of trout, and the fishermen 
all agree that the rainbow is the king of trout, its game qualities being greater than the others. The 
only exception to this statement is the Salmo tnykiss of Webber Lake, Sierra County, which is noted 
for its game qualities. As a food-fish the rainbow is far superior to any of the fronts found in the 
mountain streams of this State. Those in the headwaters of streams usually have white flesh, while 
in those found near tide water the pink color is found. The feeding-grounds are a great factor in 
making up the color and flavor. Much has been said aud written as to the si/c of the rainbow 
trout of California, and I find that the reports do not agree. At our spawning station on the Klamath 
River, in Siskiyou County, wo found the average size to be as follows: First run. 5 pounds; second 



256 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

run. I in I ponnds. Very few rainbows weighing as high as 8 pounds are caught. Those from the 
McCloud River, a tributary to the upper Sacramento, are the finest flavored ti-h found on the Pacific 
They do not exceed 2 to 3 ponnds in weight : the average would bo about I to -' pounds. 

[FromW.K Huncoi United States Fish Commission Station, Leadville, Colo., January 22, M > 

In the streams throughout this part of the country the rainbow trout are not \ ery plentiful, and 
tlipir avei onld probably be from three to five fish to the pound, lint occasionally one will 

be taken weighing one-half to three-fourths of a p 1. Their growth is verj slow in our Btreams 

Mini Bmall ponds in tliis immediate vicinity. In the lower parts of the stale, .smith and southwest of 
this place, thej are more plentiful and grow much larger. In Twin Lakes, 12 miles southwest of here, 
thej grow i" 12 and 13 pounds. We have caught them 25 to 28 inches Imij;. and weighing from s to L3 
pounds. They are very game, and are consider! d fine served on the table. 

i istave Schnitger. State Fish Commissioner of Wyoming, October 25, 1895.] 

Regarding the rainbow trout, I would say the first plant of young rainbow trout made in the 

I aramie River in tliis State was by Hon. < >tto Gramm, of this coi ission, the eyed ova of the Salmo 

iridena being Bent to him in the year 1885 by Livingston Stone, of McCloud River Station. At that 

time 10,000 eggs were Bhipped; also in 1886 there were 20, ' rainbow trout eggs sent; frj of same 

were planted in the Big Laramie River. Since then most of the rainbow trout raised at the hatchery, 
and the young trout from eggs from Neosho, Mo., are planted in Big and Little Laramie rivers and in 
the upper waters of North Platte River. All of these streams are excellent for these fish or, in fact, 
for an; of the trout so far introduced. Some of the rainbow trout taken are reported as weighing as 
much as '.i pounds. I In - air truly a tine ldod-Iish, as well as an excellent lisli for anglers. 

[From T. w & "it Romi . Ga., Dei 395.] 

I have only fished in Raccoon Pond, the place where the rainbows were planted, two evenings 
since thej were put there, and each evening I caught some trout; they were from 8 to 10 inches long 
and verj game. The year niter they were put there the dam broke and a great many of them escaped. 

I have i n told by parties living mar the stream and who fish a good deal in it, that thej have 

caught quite a number of them below in the creek, and some where the creek empties into Chattooga 
I,-, il. Thej are all about the same size, from s to in inches long. Those planted in Silver Creek are 
also doing oicelj . from (he reports from that place. 

From A. II. Gibbouei U . on \ I Julj 29 I - 

In llolstou River, where Staley (reek empties into it, this morning, Mr. Coalson, of this place, 
with hook and line, caught a California or rainbow trout i'l inches hum and weighing 6J pounds. 

Have you ever known one to weigh so much .' 1 get this information fr Dr. Ed. Haller, who saw Mr. 

Venable weigh it. It was als i weighed by .1. E. Waldrup. Il was almost ready to spawn. 

,mW.T. Dennis, commissioner of fisheries of Indiana, Richmond, tint. -tub 23, 1889 

[ have just returned from a visit to Tippecanoe River, at Monticello, and am happj to saj that 
the plant of rainbow trout made there at the request of Mr. Gregorj semis to have proven a gratifying 

sue, ess. They may be seen almost every fair evening, as I he shadows creep over the water, jumping 
for Hies and in such numbers as to prove them numerous and healthy. 

From William ~W. Finney, cashier of the Harford National Banl Hi lii MJ 
Several years ago I got a lot of rainbow trout from your station to stock two streams that flow 
into Deer Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River. Thej came in good order, and I dumped 

them in, and they ni - I ton ml to anything. Now and then you would see an occasional 

trout, and then you would not see any, but I he other day I was examining one of the streams and was 

mm, l to find a g 1 manj nice-looking fellows, about I or.", inches long, and here and there a big 

fellow. Il looks like they were beginning to get a start. 1 was afraid the stream did not suit them 
and that they had cleared out. 

[From J. D. Euntoon M l> of Lowell, Mass., November 8 1892.] 
The rainbow trout sent me last season an- now growing finely. I think I Baved about mo of 
them and put them in a spring brook, with some small ponds in its source, aud have watched them 
. ly. I Imped the larger ones would spawn this tall, but can do! find anj indication of it. I think 
ery hard', and desirable. 



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